 NEWS
Industry Notice # 09-22
TLC EXTENDS LIVERY STAND PILOT PARTICIPATION PERIOD TO FEBRUARY 16, 2010
The New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) recently invited all interested parties to submit a request to participate in a pilot program to test the operation of livery stands at select locations throughout the five boroughs of New York City. The original deadline for the receipt of pilot program proposals, suggestions or ideas was January 15, 2010. In order to maximize the participation of interested parties who are either in the process of formulating proposals, as well as to make the Notice to Participate available to additional appropriate organizations and businesses, the deadline has been extended to Tuesday, February 16, 2010. The updated Notice of Opportunity to Participate may be viewed at www.nyc.gov/taxi.
The program aims to meet the goals set by Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg in his 2009 State of the City Address and in his 2009 Plan to Reform Mass Transit. In each case the Mayor directed the TLC to experiment with pilot programs such as this one, and others that facilitate group-and-shared-ride scenarios, all of which are in various stages of development.
As recently announced by the Commission, the Livery Stand Pilot Program will designate livery stands at privately owned locations throughout the five boroughs allowing owners or operators of private property at locations within shopping centers, Business Improvement Districts, and other well trafficked locations to contract with livery bases to provide transportation services on site via a “satellite base.” This pilot program will test the use of licensed livery vehicles and livery stands to enhance service to passengers providing for more prompt, efficient and reliable dispatched service from satellite base locations.
The Commission voted to approve this pilot program on May 28, 2009, without limit to the number of participants. It is anticipated that there will be multiple locations citywide with a tentative goal of at least two stands in each borough.
Participation proposals will be reviewed by the TLC in accordance with the standards of review and approval stated in TLC Rule 14-04. For more information. See;
http://nyc.gov/html/tlc/downloads/pdf/rules_pilot_program_approved.pdf.
Industry Notice # 09-22 — REMINDER
ATTENTION: FOR-HIRE VEHICLE (FHV) DRIVERS, OWNERS AND BASES
TLC BEGAN ENFORCING NEW FHV RULES BETWEEN JANUARY 1 AND 31, 2010
Following extensive outreach and assistance to stakeholders in the For-Hire Vehicle (FHV) industry in preparation for compliance with the comprehensive FHV Rules passed last April, the TLC announced that these rules will be vigorously enforced during the month of January, 2010.
You should make certain that you are following all of the new rules. Some of the new requirements are:
- All For-Hire Vehicles (except Luxury Limousines) must have TWO new TLC Temporary license stickers affixed to the side/operating windows of the vehicle in addition to the permit
currently affixed to the front windshield. The Temporary decals will eventually be replaced with permanent decals displaying base and vehicle specific information.
- All Livery/Community Car Service Vehicles must have base information (base name, license # and telephone #) on the outside of the car -- either on both sides or on the rear.
- All Livery For-Hire Vehicles must have the FHV Passenger’s Bill of Rights in a protective cover behind the front passenger seat.
- All For-Hire Vehicles must have the driver’s FHV license displayed where passengers can see it (livery/community cars must be displayed in a protective holder behind the driver’s seat).
If you have any questions about how to obtain the Livery Passenger’s Bill of Rights, please visit the TLC’s Web site at: http://nyc.gov/html/tlc/html/industry/ind_livery_rights.shtml.
For information on required stickers, call the TLC Call Center at 212-227-6324, or see the Industry Notice located at:
http://www.nyc.gov/html/tlc/downloads/pdf/industry_notice_09_16.pdf.
Industry Notice # 09-22
REMINDER TO TLC DRIVER LICENSEES: SERVICE ANIMALS MUST BE WELCOMED IN ALL TLC-LICENSED VEHICLES
TLC-licensed drivers are reminded that service animals are required to be welcomed in all taxicabs and For-Hire Vehicles (FHVs).
If a passengers states that an accompanying animal is a service animal the driver must, regardless of whether the animal is or is not secured, allow them in the taxicab or FHV.
Refusal to transport a passenger with a service animal is classified as a service refusal and carries penalties upon conviction, up to and including, TLC license suspension or revocation.
Industry Notice No. 10-02
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL TLC-LICENSED DRIVERS
RE: NEW CELL PHONE RULES AND PENALTIES
On December 17, 2009, the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) enacted new Distracted Driving Regulations to strengthen its cell phone prohibition originally passed in 1999 which pre-dates many portable/hands free electronic devices and most notably the Bluetooth device. Nationally accepted scientific research indicates that:
- Drivers are four times more likely to be involved in automobile accidents while on a hands free or cell phone device;
- Drivers distracted by cell phone conversations are technically more impaired than intoxicated drivers.
The TLC encourages all drivers in the taxicab, black car, livery, limousine, paratransit, commuter van industries to comply. Compliance will save lives and ensure the safety of drivers, passengers, pedestrians and other motorists. These rules are necessary due to persistent illegal use of cell phones and other hand held or hands free electronic devices by drivers despite repeated warnings by the TLC.
On January 29th and thereafter, these new rules will be vigorously and strictly enforced. Effective January 29, 2010 all TLC licensed drivers must comply as follows:
- You MAY NOT have a Bluetooth or other wireless or wired telephone device in or near your ear even if you are not talking on it or listening to it.
- You may not use a handheld or hands free cell phone while driving. You MUST be “Legally Standing or Parked.”
- While driving you may NOT use any portable electronic devices that allow you to talk, text, communicate or become distracted in any way.
- Only FHV drivers may receive dispatch information from a base using a mounted electronic device or FCC licensed two-way radio. Communication must be brief and strictly business related.
If you are convicted of using prohibited electronic devices while driving you will be fined $200 and will earn three penalty points on your TLC license under the TLC’s Persistent Violator Program. Please be reminded that if you accrue six TLC points within any 15 month period, you will serve a 30 day license suspension, and willhave your license revoked if you reach 10 TLC points.
If you are convicted of a third violation within a 15 month period your TLC license will be revoked – three strikes and you’re out! This includes any combination of summonses issued by TLC officers as well as those issued under the Vehicle & Traffic Law that are heard at the NYS Dept. of Motor Vehicles’ Traffic Court e.g., summonses issued by NYPD police officers and any other authorized law enforcement personnel.
If you are convicted of any cell phone violation, in addition to accruing points, possible suspension and fines, you will be required to attend a mandatory Safety Refresher Course that illustrates the dangers of distracted driving. The course will review the rules governing the use of portable or hands free devices, and the dangers of driving while distracted. Also, all newly licensed drivers, and probationary drivers, will be required to receive similar training as part of the licensing process.
The above are highlights. To read the full rules and penalties, we suggest that you visit:
http://nyc.gov/html/tlc/downloads/pdf/electronic_device_rule.pdf
Office of the Deputy Commissioner for Public Affairs
40 Rector Street, 5th Floor
New York NY 10006
Tel: 212-676-1013, Fax: 212-676-1101
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